Chief Justice Russell Anderson of the Minnesota Supreme Court today notified Gov. Tim Pawlenty that he will retire June 1.

Initially appointed to the Supreme Court in 1998, he has been chief justice since 2006. He previously served as a district court judge.

"Chief Justice Anderson is an extraordinary leader and public servant," Pawlenty said in a statement. "From his service in the United States Navy to his leadership of the Minnesota Supreme Court, he has committed his life to protecting and upholding our state and nation's values and principles. We especially thank him for his 25 years of hard work and dedication as a judge and wish him well in his retirement and future endeavors."